Bennigan’s Grill & Tavern

Some people get hungry, go to Bennigan’s to eat, leave, wait to get hungry and repeat the cycle. For those routiners, have at it and enjoy. Bennigan’s is the spot for you.
BUT, for those of us that actually care about the dining experience and want to taste the food, here’s what you’ll notice:
Ash Tray Bar: Bennigan’s is one of the only restaurant around that still allows smoking. As the last final refuge of old-​timey bad habits, this place packs in the smokers. Translation: The bar smells like a cacophony of ash and smoke. Expect to leave smelling like a cigarette.
Burnout Pickup Scene: This was surprising, I watched a late 40+ crowd of smokers belly up to the bar, get their drink and smoke on, and flirt (in a way) with each other over what was on T.V. A lot of denim in the mix. Hey, if that’s your scene, great, but I was wholly out of place.
Americana Chain Restaurant Menu: The menu here is exactly what you’d expect if you took all the fried items from Chili’s and Friday’s and put them on one menu. My friend got the sampler plate, which was essentially Tex Mex looking bite-​sized items suspended in grease.
The Creepy Gambling Guy: At the bar there was one video poker/​type unit, and there was the same Willie Nelson looking Carson City addict on the box the entire night. Didn’t have a beer, nor a drink. Just sat in his chair transfixed on the video poker unit. After a lady at the bar got her drink on, she started yelling at the guy, but I couldn’t decipher the reason. I don’t think the gambler even noticed.
Personally, I had one diet coke, stayed a respectful 1.5 hours with my friends, and left.
I can see why this chain is consolidating operations. Personally, I can’t think of any reason why to suggest it. Unless you’re a smoker, that is.